Rear-end accidents are some of the most common collisions that occur on Missouri roads. These accidents can happen for several reasons, from failure to adhere to the right of way to distracted driving. If you are in a rear-end collision and someone else was responsible for the accident, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
In these situations, trust the Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Goza & Honnold, LLC to represent your claim. Our Kansas City rear-end accident lawyers will advocate aggressively for your right to full compensation. We have decades of experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Kansas City Rear-End Accident Resources
- Why Choose Us
- The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Kansas City
- Do You Need a Lawyer After a Rear-End Accident?
- Legal Options for Kansas City Rear-End Accident Victims
- Rear-End Accident Liability
- Missouri’s Time Limit on Filing Car Accident Claims
- Types of Compensation Available
- Contact a Kansas City Rear-End Accident Attorney
Why Choose Us
- Our firm has helped thousands of Missouri residents with their car accident claims. We can handle the entire litigation process on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
- Our firm provides the personalized attention of a small firm and the litigation power and resources of a large firm.
- We understand how painful car accident recovery can be. We will work to connect you with the resources you need to recover using our decades of experience.
The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Kansas City
Rear-end collisions happen for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly due to driver negligence or errors, such as:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, reading)
- Speeding or driving too fast for the current road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver inattention or fatigue
- Abrupt turn into traffic (thereby preventing the other driver from stopping in time)
- Reckless driving
- Road rage
- Tailgating
While these causes mentioned above are certainly not an exhaustive list, it is essential to remember that after any crash, injured victims should seek immediate medical attention. Once out of danger and recovering, contact a qualified attorney to seek advice on filing an auto injury claim.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Rear-End Accident?
Many rear-end accident victims believe their claims are not very serious. They may believe their injuries are minor and that they can handle their claim on their own. While your accident may not feel serious, it is very important to seek the help of an attorney.
A car accident attorney in Kansas City can help protect your right to compensation throughout the insurance or lawsuit process. Your lawyer will understand the strategies that insurance adjusters often use to reduce or deny a settlement and can evaluate any settlement offers you receive. Lawyers can provide several other benefits throughout the case process, including the following.
- Access to expert witnesses.
- Knowledge of the insurance and litigation processes.
- Experience handling similar claims.
- Negotiation skills.
- Experience representing cases similar to yours.
After receiving medical attention for your accident, speak to an attorney from Goza & Honnold, LLC as soon as possible.
Legal Options for Kansas City Rear-End Accident Victims
Missouri is an at-fault insurance state, which means that drivers who cause accidents are responsible for paying for their victims’ damages. If you are in a rear-end accident with a negligent driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
You can pursue this compensation through one of three avenues:
- You can file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s company. All Missouri drivers must carry certain amounts of liability insurance in case they cause an accident. Many rear-end accident cases begin as insurance claims and progress to lawsuits.
- You can file a claim with your own insurance company. These claims typically arise when you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Missouri requires all residents to hold uninsured motorist coverage, so you could pursue these damages in this situation.
- You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court. Since drivers purchase certain amounts of insurance, you can only pursue compensation up to policy limits. These policy limits do not apply to civil lawsuits, so you can recover a larger award.
Rear-End Accident Liability
In almost all cases, the driver of the rear vehicle is responsible for damages after a rear-end accident. However, the front driver or a third party could have contributed to the accident. In those cases, a percentage of fault will be assigned to each party involved, and compensation is reduced accordingly. This is due to Missouri’s pure comparative fault rule. For example, if another driver hits you and you are awarded $100,000, but you are found 30% at fault for an unnecessary and abrupt stop, you will recover 70% of the award or $70,000.
Here are some other examples of when actions taken by a driver who was rear-ended may also be liable:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an improper turn
- Abrupt lane change, making it impossible for the rear driver to avoid a collision
- Driving with malfunctioning tail lights
- Backing out without looking
- Driving too slow for the current traffic conditions
In some accidents, a third party can also be liable. For instance, if a defective vehicle/part or a poorly maintained road contributed to the accident. In those cases, liability may also fall on the vehicle or part’s manufacturer or a government agency responsible for maintaining the streets.
Missouri’s Time Limit on Filing Car Accident Claims
The statute of limitations is a law that restricts how long car accident victims have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is five years from the date of the accident. However, some exceptions may extend or shorten your deadline. If you do not act quickly, you risk losing the right to recover any financial compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
Rear-end car accident victims have the right to demand compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses
This includes past, current, and future medical bills, and any other expenses related to treatment
Lost Wages
The past, current, and future wages you would have earned at your job had you not been injured in a crash.
Property Damage
This can include repairs or compensation for replacing your vehicle, as well as for any other personal items damaged in the accident.
Pain And Suffering
For the physical pain and emotional distress that you have endured.
Punitive Damages
If your case involved egregious or malicious conduct, the court might award punitive damages as a punishment to the defendant.
Contact a Kansas City Rear-End Accident Attorney
If you are the victim of a rear-end collision, do not hesitate to seek help. You may be eligible for financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. If you need assistance recovering your damages, the attorneys at Goza & Honnold, LLC can help.
We represent injured Kansas City residents in their claims against negligent drivers. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.